The Office of Audits conducts, coordinates, and supervises independent audits and evaluations of the SEC’s programs and operations to assess agency performance; to help detect and deter waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement; and to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness at the SEC’s headquarters and 11 regional offices. Audits are performed in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Evaluations follow the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency's Quality Standards for Inspections and Evaluations.

Audits and evaluations provide essential accountability and transparency over government programs. The OIG issues independent audit and evaluation reports, which identify deficiencies found and make recommendations to correct those deficiencies or increase efficiencies in SEC operations. Typically, the Office of Audits assesses whether:

• resources are safeguarded and appropriately managed;
• governing laws, regulations, and policies are complied with;
• funds are expended properly;
• government programs are achieving their objectives and desired outcomes;
• government services are provided effectively, efficiently, economically, ethically, and equitably; and
• information provided by the Commission to the public and others is reliable. 

The Office of Audits also monitors the agency’s progress in taking corrective actions on recommendations in OIG audit and evaluation reports, and works with other OIG components to independently assess agency operations.